Antibiotic use in poultry should be minimized through carefully planned and well-executed preventive practices, according to a new position statement released by the American Association of Avian Pathologists. However, the association added, antibiotics should remain “a viable option when appropriate and necessary for the health and well-being of the animal, even when marketing and consumer preference dictate otherwise.”
The new document, “AAAP White Paper on Poultry Welfare and Careful Antibiotic Use,” expressed concerns over the growing trend for some food retailers and restaurants to only offer poultry products from flocks raised with no antibiotics.
“This practice may result in situations where farmers are reluctant to allow treatment of flocks in order to maintain their ‘antibiotic free’ status,” the association said.
“Veterinarians need the ability to make the proper treatment plans for animal health and animal welfare, including the use of antibiotics when warranted as part of their professional commitment and ethical obligation,” AAAP added.
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